Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of bluesy hard rockers Burning Rain’s third studio album, EPIC OBSESSION, on May 17th in Europe and May 21st in North America. Burning Rain was founded by current Whitesnake axeman Doug Aldrich together with singer Keith St. John (ex-Montrose). The line-up for the new album is rounded out by Sean McNabb on bass (ex-Quiet Riot, Dokken, House of Lords) and Mat Starr on drums (Ace Frehley). EPIC OBSESSION comes after a long hiatus from the release of the band’s second album, PLEASURE TO BURN, in 2000.

Of EPIC OBSESSION, Aldrich commented, “I think we have a good batch of songs that will stand up. It’s a melodic blues rock approach to the band’s sound. It’s really the only thing I have done outside of Whitenake in the last ten years.”

Frontiers Records will be also be releasing on the same date reissues of the long out-of-print first two albums from Burning Rain, the self-titled debut (released in 1999) and the aforementioned PLEASURE TO BURN. Both albums will be repackaged and remastered and will contain two added bonus tracks to each respective album.

Burning Rain’s previous efforts received great acclaim in Japan and the UK prior to Aldrich being tapped as guitarist for Whitesnake in 2002, with Melodicrock.com declaring on the PLEASURE TO BURN review: “Great quality song writing…fantastic production that rivals any others out there. For fans of classic blues influenced hard rock there will be few albums to rival this record…”

EPIC OBSESSION tracklisting includes:

Sweet Little Baby Thing; The Cure; Till You Die; Heaven Gets Me By; Pray Out Loud; Our Time Is Gonna Come; Too Hard To Break; My Lust Your Fate; Made For Your Heart; Ride The Monkey; Out In The Cold Again; When Can I Believe In Love: Kashmir*; Heaven Gets Me By (acoustic)*

I will admit that I have never listened to Atreyu more than once or twice. They were never a band that hit me right away, so I never spent much time with them. I wasn’t even aware that the band was on hiatus while members worked on side projects and pursued other interests. So when Hell Or Highwater’s Begin Again came across my desk for review, I did not realize that it was Atreyu drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller’s side project. That being said, I am glad that I took the time to review Begin Again.

Begin Again is a solid modern rock record. Packed with hard edged, heavy songs that are completed with melody and harmony, Begin Again is an album that most rock fans will want to hear. And once the album is heard you can’t get it out of your head. Begin Again has staying power and replay value. The album kicks off with the first single, Gimme Love. This is a hard rocking track that is meant to get attention and succeeds. Saller’s vocals are reminiscent of Hinder’s Austin Winkler and the twin guitar attack by Matt Pauling and Neal Tiemann is first rate.

The heavy hits continue with “Hail Mary” and “Terrorized In The Night.” The band plays hard on these heavy tracks and the musical talent of each band member shines through. The songs are high energy and touch on typical hard rock themes of anger, disappointment, rage and fear. The songs are performed with a modern rock flair, heavy drums, exceptional guitars, and solid vocals. The combined elements equal nothing but pure entertainment.

The band doesn’t stop there. Begin Again delivers in the slower/ballad department as well. And although “Tragedy” and “Rock Water’s Edge” aren’t true ballads in the old 80s power ballad sense, they are still slower, bluesy songs that deliver in power and passion. Saller’s lyrics are deep and meaningful and when combined with amazing guitar riffs, it is easy to see how either, or both, of these songs will be a huge radio hit. “When The Morning Comes” is the most radio friendly, mainstream song on the record and it is a song that people will be rocking along with all summer long. Led by a blistering guitar intro followed by an enjoyable chord progression and sing-along lyrics, “When The Morning Comes” is one of the best tracks on this record.

Begin Again is an exceptional album that will rock you on first listen. After that, you will find yourself hitting repeat several times. It is an album that can be played over and over again without getting stale. Saller’s voice is strong, steady, and enjoyable. Pauling and Tiemann are a fantastic guitar duo that play off each other well, each knowing exactly when to hold back so the other can move forward. Their timing is second to none and it is their combined ability that really makes Begin Again come to life and sing.

If you are searching for a new band or a new record that is going to excite you and make you want to hear more, pick up a copy of Begin Again. If you are looking for the next great modern rock sound filled with superb hooks and melodious riffs that tunnel into your eardrums and don’t leave until they are committed to your memory, Begin Again is the record for you. Pick it up.

Every year, it has been tradition for Vans Warped Tour founder and producer Kevin Lyman to personally handpick an up-and-coming, 100% independent act to be the official BBQ Band for the tour. The BBQ Band is given a slot on the Ernie Ball stage each year in trade for serving up the delicious food consumed at each post-show BBQ. Many bands have made their start as a Vans Warped Tour BBQ Band, including Dropkick Murphys, Longway and others.

This year, Hollywood, CA’s own ART OF SHOCK has been chosen for the prestigious honor. Vans Warped Tour founder and producer Kevin Lyman states, “I’m glad to have ART OF SHOCK out on the grill and on stage this year!”

The Sunset Strip favorites, known for their unique fusion of modern and classic rock influences, have been taking Los Angeles and Southern California by storm for the past few years with their over-the-top performances. Despite their youth, these rockers are on fire—rapidly gaining a loyal and passionate fan base across the United States thanks to their stunning live show.

2013 VANS WARPED TOUR dates:

Mar 28 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia

Jun 15 Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheater

Jun 16 Portland, OR @ Portland Expo Center Parking Lot

Jun 19 San Diego, CA @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

Jun 20 Pomona, CA @ Pomona Fairplex

Jun 21 Pomona, CA @ Pomona Fairplex

Jun 22 Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre

Jun 23 Ventura, CA @ Seaside Park

Jun 26 Las Cruces, NM @ N.M.S.U. Practice Field

Jun 27 Phoenix, AZ @ Quail Run Park

Jun 28 Las Vegas, NV @ Silverton Casino Parking Lot

Jun 29 Salt Lake City, UT @ Utah State Fairpark

Jun 30 Denver, CO @ Sports Authority Field at Mile High

Jul 3 Indianapolis, IN @ Klipsch Music Center

Jul 5 Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

Jul 6 Buffalo, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

Jul 7 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Concert Center

Jul 9 Virginia Beach, VA @ Farm Bureau Live At Virginia Beach

Jul 10 Washington, D.C. @ Merriweather Post Pavilion

Jul 11 Boston, MA @ Comcast Center

Jul 12 Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center

Jul 13 New York, NY @ Nassau Memorial Coliseum

Jul 14 Hartford, CT @ The Comcast Theatre

Jul 16 Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion

Jul 17 Pittsburgh, PA @ First Niagara Pavilion

Jul 18 Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center

Jul 19 Detroit, MI @ The Palace of Auburn Hills

Jul 20 Chicago, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Jul 21 Minneapolis, MN @ Canterbury Park

Jul 23 Kansas City, KS @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater

Jul 24 St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – St. Louis

Jul 25 Atlanta, GA @ Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

Jul 26 Tampa, FL @ Vinoy Park

Jul 27 West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheatre

Jul 28 Orlando, FL @ Central Florida Fairgrounds

Jul 29 Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Jul 30 Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center

Jul 31 Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheatre

Aug 2 Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion

Aug 3 San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center

Aug 4 Houston, TX @ Reliant Center Parking Lot

ART OF SHOCK is currently in the studio working on their second album. The band recently released their first album, Live Forever, which boasts production credits from Steve Kravac (Blink 182, NOFX, Less Than Jake). You can listen to Live Forever on Spotify or buy it on iTunes now. A music video for the single ‘There’s No Tomorrow’ is available for viewing below!